I was working for the Natural History museum as an artifact specialist. It was about 6:00 at night, quiting time.

I was headed towards my car when my cell rang.

"Hello?"

"Mr. Dangerous, I presume?"

"No one calls me that anymore, mister. Who is this?"

"Someone who has much to offer you, if you can do something for me."

"Like what?"

"There is an item that needs retrieving."

"Oh I see...well sorry man I don't do that kinda work anymore." I stated as I slid into my Impala.

"Oh, I know, you stick to looking at treasure through glass walls nowadays. Am I correct?"

"How did you...?"

"Mr. Dangerous, I do believe we share a common interest in things that...sparkle."

"Mister, I really don't do this stuff anymore. Now, I'm for niece's birthday party, I've got to-"

"I think this might be a job worth making an exception for. At least our mutual friend Mr. Smith seemed to think so..."

"Montana? Do you know where he is?" I asked sharply.

"It depends are you with me?"

I sat for a moment contemplating, he hadn't even given me a real offer, just seemed to think I'd do it. Had to admit though, I was having a hard time forming the word no.

"I...sure. What the Hell? Right?"

I couldn't see the guy's face but could almost hear the smirk forming on his face.

"Very well, Mr. Dangerous, we will contact you soon"

"But, wait! What about-"

Click.

I don't think I slept much that night. I kept going over the call in my head. Who was that guy? What was this item?

I called Barry the next morning.

"Hey Bear."

"Guy! Haven't heard from you in months! How ya been man?"

"I'm fine Bear. Listen, are you on desk duty today? Could you run a number for me?"

I read the number to him.

"I guess man...what? You get prank called or something?"

"Do people still do that?"

"Who knows...well Guy did you read that number right? Its not showing up in our system."

I had read it exactly the way my phone showed. Could this guy possibly have deleted all trace of the number overnight?

"Guy, what's this about? We haven't talked in months and suddenly you are calling me asking about a bogus number. If you wanted to chat you don't have to make up some favor for me to do." Barry chuckled.

"No Bear, I didn't make up the number. Look someone called me last night when I left work. I...I think he might know what happened to Montana."

I told him everything.

"Guy, this doesn't feel right I think you should tell him no."

"I already agreed."

"Well...take it back. Dude I'm a cop, I'm trained to listen to my gut, and it's telling me that there is something wrong about this."

"Are you sure that's what it's saying man? if I remember correctly your gut's usual vocab didn't extend past the words 'Triple Decker cheese burger'."

"Ha ha very funny...so...what are you going to do?"

"I don't know man..."